Camping apparatus for station wagons



Jan. 6, 1959 v A. B. COON, JR

CAMPING APPARATUS FOR STATION WAGONS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 21, 1955 INVENTOR. 4401/ a. mom, Je. a 7% flrrae/ve's Jan. 6, 1959 A. B. cooN, JR

CAMPING APPARATUS FOR sm'rzou WAGONS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 21, 1955 mwzzvrox. #445 5. 6004/, J2.

v BY

Jan. 6, 1959 A. COON, JR

CAMPING APPARATUS FOR STATION WAGONS v 3 Sheets Sheet 3 INVENTOR. AME/v 6. 6004 J.'

Filed Nov. 21, 1955 United States Patent CAMPING APPARATUS FOR STATION WAGONS Allen B. Coon, In, Pasadena, Calif. Application November 21, 1955, Serial No. 547,894 8 Claims. or. 296- 23 This invention relates to camping apparatus for station wagons, and included in the objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a camping apparatus which may be fitted into the rear end of a station wagon without altering the station wagon, and which provides compactly and conveniently arranged storage facilities for stove, wash basin, water supply, cooking utensils, dishes, and food, as well as a foundation for a bed. 7

Second, to provide a camping apparatus of this type which comprises readily separable sections or units, which may be readily handled individually for purposes of installing, removing, or storing the camping apparatus.

Third, to provide a camping apparatus wherein ready access may be had to the spare tire of the station wagon located under the floor board, by removal of only a portion of the camping apparatus.

Fourth, to provide a camping apparatus which may be readily shortened to permit use of the rear seat of a station wagon, or extended when the rear seat is folded to form a base means for a bed.

Fifth, to provide a camping apparatus wherein the cooking facilities are contained in and supported by a drawer-like unit which may be readily pulled outwardly over the tail gate of the station wagon, this being accomplished without disturbing the bed-base means so that the bed may, if desired, remain intact.

With the above and over objects in view, as may appear hereinafter, reference is directed to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a station wagon, showing the camping apparatus in its extended position as it appears when in use;

Fig. 2 is a reduced fragmentary, perspective view of a station wagon, showing the camping apparatus in its retracted position but with the end panel open;

Fig. 3 is a similar fragmentary perspective view with the camping unit in its retracted position andthe end panel closed;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the camping apparatus in its retracted position, taken through 4-4 of Fig. 7, showing the frame structure in section and the inner and outer drawer units in side elevation;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the camping apparatus; 7

Fig. 6 is' a longitudinal sectional view thereof, through 6- 6 of Fig. 7;

. Fig. 7 is a plan view thereof,'taken from the pl'ane,77 of Fig.5;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail view, illustrating the manner in which a removable side panel is joined to the side of the frame structure;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view through 9-9 of Fig. 8; a

Fig. 10 is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view through 10-10of Fig. 8; V.

Fig.11 is a fragmentary sectional viewthrough 11-11 of Fig. 5; 1

Fig. 12 is a reduced top or plan view of the camping 2,867,471 Patented Jan-a 2 p apparatus with the bed-base frame extended; and'showing the bed-supportingpanels in place;

Fig. 13 is-a reduced side view of-the camping apparatus, with the bed frame extended, and indicating substantially diagrammatically the relationship of the camping apparatus to the adjacent portions of the station wagon; Fig.- 14 is an exploded view, showing side views of'the major components of the camping apparatus;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view through 15"j15 of Fig. 13; 1

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view, showing the manner in which one of thebed-base panels-'islatchedto the bed frame; and 4 Fig. 17 is a fragmentaryperspective view of-one ofthe compartment covers.- e t l -The camping apparatus includes a main frame or ho'us ing 1- having a bottom 2, a sloping inner or forward end 3, and side members 4. The bottom includes-a removable section '5 joined to removable side panels 6-which are complementary to the side members 4. The removable side panels do-notextend to the top of the side members 4 so that the upper portions of the side members 4 project over the side panels.

Mounted along the upper margin of each side member 4 is a fixed track 7. -Theqemovable side panels 6 are provided with catch fixtures 8, shown best in Fig. 8, which fit into the adjacent end of the fixed track 7 to align the removable side panels relative to the side members 4.

Therremovable unit formed by the removable section 5 of the bottom and the removable side panels 6 is secured to the main frame 1 by means of latch fasteners 9,

' extending between the rear portions of the side panels 6 and the adjacent margins of the side members 4. 1 When-the main frame 1 is set within the rear end of a station wagon, the removable unit is disposed rearwardly or outwardly from the main frame and overlies the spare tire well of a station wagon, as indicated by broken lines in Fig. 13. The side panels 6 are provided with hand holes 10 so that the removable unit, including these panels, may be readily disconnected from the main frame or housing 1 to provide access to the spare tire. v

- The fixed tracks 7 support'rearwardly extensible traveling tracks 11 which ride on the fixed tracks by means of ball bearings 12. The rear ends of the traveling tracks 11 are joined to the lateral extremities of an extension beam 13 which, in its retracted position, lies in confronting relation with the sloping inner or forwardend 3 of the main frame or housing '1. r

The lateral extremities of the extension beam 13 are provided with feet 14 which rest on the floor of the station wagon. When the extension beam is retracted, the entire main frame or housing 1 may be confinedto thespace rearwardly of the rear seat A of the station wagon, as shown best in Fig. 13. When this seat is folded-to its flat position for the purpose of extending the cargo space of the station wagon, the extension beam 13 may be moved forwardly, as shown in Fig. 13.

The extension beam 13' and the main frame 1 form aibed'frame on which are placed six top plates 15, 16,

17, 1-8, 19, and 20. The rearward or outer topplates, which occupy the position nearest the rearward end of the station wagon, overlie the main frame 1 and their rear or outer edges rest on a cross bar 21. The forward top plates 18, 19, and 20 may'occupy a position in which they rest on the inner or forward end 3 of themain frame 1 and on the extension beam 13. 1 v

The extension beam 13 is provided with latch lugs 22- which engagelatch bars '23 provided on theunder" side of the top plates 18 and'20. The two top plates 18 and 20 hold the center top plate :19 'in placei z-iaSuitable hand holes,24 are provided to. facilitate handling. ofvthe.

top plates. When the extension beam 13 is retracted, the top plates 18, 19, and 20 rest upon the top plates 15, 16, and 17, respectively. A strap 25 may be provided which may be located centrally of the main frame 1 and extend from the cross bar 21 to the extension beam 13 for the purpose of holding the extension beam in its retracted position;

The main housing or frame 1 including the removable section comprising the bottom section and side panels 6 form a cabinet to receive a forward or inner drawer unit 26 and a rearward or outer drawer unit 27. These units are disposed in coplanar and tandem relation.

The forward or inner drawer unit 26 comprises a bottom 28, side walls 29, a forward or inner wall 30, and a rearward or outer wall 31. Partitions 32 are provided between the inner and outer walls to form compart ments which may be closed by covers 33. The bottom 28 projects forwardly of the inner Wall 30 and supports a water tank 34 having a sloping forward wall to conform to the sloping inner or forward end 3 of the housing 1.

A tube 35 extends rearwardly, that is, toward the rear end of the station wagon, from the tank 34 to the rearward or outer wall 31. Mounted in this end of the tube 35 is a faucet 36 which projects rearwardly. The faucet includes a hand pump 37 so that water may be withdrawn from the tank 34.

The side walls 29 of the forward or inner drawer unit 26 are provided with hand openings 38 to permit handling of the drawer unit.

The rearward or outer drawer unit 27 includes a bottom 39, a forward or inner wall 40, side walls 41, a top wall 42, and a rearward wall 43 connected to the bottom 39 by a hinge 44. The side walls 29 of the inner drawer unit 26 and the side walls 41 of the outer drawer unit 27 are adapted to be secured together by latch fasteners 45, preferably recessed into the walls. The latch fasteners secure the inner and outer drawer units for movement in unison or permit the drawer units to be separated so that they may be handled individually. Hand openings 46 are provided in the side walls 41 to facilitate handling of the outer drawer unit 27.

The top wall 42 of the outer drawer unit 27 is disposed below the level of the faucet 36 and forms a counter or work surface in which may be set a basin 47 to receive water from the faucet. At one side of the basin the work surface may support a conventional camp stove 48. Storage compartments or drawers 49 are provided under the top wall 42 of the outer drawer unit 27. The outer or rearward wall 43 is adapted to be moved to a horizontal position rearwardly of the drawer unit up form a shelf or work surface.

Operation of the camping apparatus is as follows:

The camping apparatus is installed in the rear of a station wagon by first inserting the main frame or housing 1 together with the extension beam 13. The removable section formed by the bottom section 5 and side panels 6 may be installed as a unit with the main frame or may be set into place after positioning the main frame.

It will be observed that the bottom of the main frame 1 is substantially level with the upper surface of the lower tail gate B of the station wagon. In practice, appropriate adapter blocks, not shown, or the like may be used to place the main frame at the proper level.

After installation of the main frame 1, the forward or inner drawer unit 26 is moved partially into the main frame. The rearward or outer drawer unit 27 is then placed on the tail gate B and the latch fasteners 45 manipulated to join the two units together. The composite drawer thus formed is then pushed forwardly into the frame and the rearward wall or shelf 43' is swung to. an unright position. Suitable brackets 50 may be attached to the shelf 43 so as to secure it in its horizontal or its upright position. Also suitable handles 51 are provided on the normally rearward or under side of the shelf. To bring thecamping apparatus into use, it is merely necessary to pull the drawer units outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 1.

Should it be necessary to gain access to the spare tire C contained in a well below the floor boards of the station Wagon, it is merely necessary to unlatch the rearward or outer drawer unit 27, set it aside, and then remove the removable section of the main frame 1 comprising the removable bottom section 5 and sidepanels 6. The inner or forward drawer unit 26, as well as the main frame, may remain in place.

In order to form a bed, the rear seat A of the station wagon is folded in the conventional manner to form an extension of the cargo area. The extension beam 13 is then moved forwardly and the panels or top plates 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 arranged as shown in Figs. Hand 13. A mattress and bed may then be unrolled and placed on the panels.

It should be observed that the bed may remain intact without interfering with the use of the drawers, as the drawers may be withdrawn or pushed into the main frame without disturbing the bed or the panels ontop of the main frame.

While a particular embodiment of this invention has been shown and described, it is not intended to limit the same to the exact details of the construction set forth, and it embraces such changes, modifications, and equivalents of the parts and their formation and arrangement as come within the purview of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in a station wagon, comprising: a frame structure having side walls, each of said side walls including a fixed panel, a removable panel, and separable connecting means for securing said removable panels in place, said panels being complementary, said frame structure also including transverse members defining with said side panels a drawerreceiving cavity; an inner drawer unit; an outer drawer unit; separable connecting means for joining said drawer units in coplanar tandem relat-ion'for sliding movement into and out of the cavity formed by said frame structure;

' and a panel hinged to the outer end of the outer drawer unit and arranged to occupy a horizontal position thereby to form a work surface when said drawer units are partially withdrawn from said frame structure.

2. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in a station wagon, comprising: a frame structure having side walls, each of said side walls including a fixed panel, a removable panel, and separable connecting means for securing said removable panels in place, said panels being complementary, said frame structure also including transverse members defining with said side panels a drawerreceiving cavity; an inner drawer unit; an outer drawer unit; separable connecting means for joining said drawer units in coplanar tandem relation for sliding movement into and out of the cavity formed by said frame structure; a panel hinged to the outer end of the outer drawer unit and arranged to occupy a horizontal position thereby to form a work surface when said drawer units are partially Withdrawn from said frame structure; and a water storage tank and a water outlet carried by said inner unit, said water outlet projecting outwardly therefrom over said outer unit.

3. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in a station wagon, comprising: a frame structure defining a fiat rectangular drawer compartment open at one end; an inner drawer section; an outer drawer section; handle means at opposite sides of each drawer section to facilitate insertion into said drawer compartment; and separable fastener elements at said opposite sides of the drawer sections for rigidly connecting said drawer sections in tandem for movement in unison into and out of said drawer compartment.

4. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in the rear end of the cargo compartment of a station wagon of the type in which a spare tire well is disposed under said cargo compartment; a frame structure adapted to be placed in said compartment and defining a fiat rectangular drawer compartment; said frame structure including a separable section overlying said tire well and removable to permit access thereto; an inner drawer section; an outer drawer section; handle means at opposite sides of each drawer section to facilitate insertion into said drawer compartment; and separable fastener elements at said opposite sides of the drawer sections for rigidly connecting said drawer sections in tandem for movement in unison into and out of said drawer compartment; said inner drawer section having an inner position clearing said tire well, to permit access thereto upon removal of said separable section and outer drawer section.

5. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in a station wagon, comprising: a frame structure defining a flat rectangular drawer compartment open at one end; an inner drawer section; an outer drawer section; handle means at opposite sides of each drawer section to facilitate insertion into said drawer compartment; separable fastener elements at said opposite sides of the drawer sections for rigidly connecting said drawer sections in tandem for movement in unison into and out of said drawer compartment; said outer drawer section having a top wall disposed below the top wall of said inner drawer section to form a work deck; a water basin set in said work deck; and a water storage tank and water outlet carried by said inner drawer section, said outlet projecting from said inner drawer section over said basin.

6. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in the rear end of the cargo compartment of a station wagon of tht type in which a spare tire well is disposed under said cargo compartment; :1 frame structure adapted to be placed in said compartment and defiining a flat rectangular drawer compartment; said frame structure including a separable section overlying said tire well and removable to permit access thereto; an inner drawer section; an outer drawer section; handle means at opposite sides of each drawer section to facilitate insertion into said drawer compartment; separable fastener elements at said opposite sides of the drawer sections for rigidly connecting said drawer sections in tandem for movement in unison into and out of said drawer compartment; said inner drawer section having an inner position clearing said tire well, to permit access thereto upon removal of said separable section and outer drawer section; said outer drawer section having a top wall disposed below the top wall of said inner drawer section to form a work deck; a water basin set in said work deck; and a water storage tank 6 and water outlet carried by said inner drawer section, said outlet projecting from said inner drawer section over said basin.

7. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in a station wagon, comprising: a frame structure defining a flat rectangular drawer compartment open at one end; an inner drawer section; an outer drawer section; handle means at opposite sides of each drawer section to facilitate insertion into said drawer compartment; separable fastener elements at said opposite sides of the drawer sections for rigidly connecting said drawer sections in tandem for movement in unison into and out of said drawer compartment; extensible track members at the outer sides of said frame structure disposed along the 7 upper margins thereof and extensible in the opposite direction from said drawer sections; and a bed-supporting structure including a bed frame section joined to and extensible with said track members, and incorporating the top side of said frame structure.

8. A camping apparatus adapted for installation in the rear end of the cargo compartment of a station wagon of the type in which a spare tire well is disposed under said cargo compartment; a frame structure adapted to be placed in said compartment and defining a flat rectangular drawer compartment; said frame structure including a separable section overlying said tire well and removable to permit access thereto; an inner drawer section; an outer drawer section; handle means at opposite sides of each drawer section to facilitate insertion into said drawer compartment; separable fastener elements at said opposite sides of the drawer sections for rigidly connecting said drawer sections in tandem for movement in unison into and out of said drawer compartment; said inner drawer section having an inner position clearing said tire well, to permit access thereto upon removal of said separable section and outer drawer section; extensible track members at the outer sides of said frame structure disposed along the upper margins thereof and extensible in the opposite direction from said drawer sections; and a bed-supporting structure including a bed frame section joined to and extensible with said track members, and incorporating the top side ofsaid frame structure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 419,442 Hildreth Ian. 14, 1890 1,240,997 Moore Sept. 25, 1917 1,562,371 Shanks Nov. 17, 1925 1,659,114 McDonald Feb. 14, 1928 2,329,419 Reed Sept. 14, 1943 2,784,027 Temp Mar. 5, 1957 

